Chapter 44 : Preparing The Final Exam

The beginner English class was surprisingly peaceful without the slightest disturbance from the students' side.

Fumiko's suspension went on for an entire month, while her two best friends, Shiori and Himari got off with minor punishments.

The two ladies were tasked to shovel piling snow off the academy ground for an entire week -- a job that they absolutely despised, but still preferred to any length of suspension.

At the end of the class, Midori was summoned into Takiko Kinoshita's office.

"Midori-san," the Headmistress began, her voice warm as the tea she offered, "though this is only your second day, your work has been exemplary. I'd like to invite you to join the examination committee."

Midori's interest piqued. "How can I be of assistance?"

"You can help prepare examination questions for the beginner English class. This is a crucial final year exam, Midori-san. Their performance will determine whether they advance to the intermediate level or remain in the beginner class."

Midori raised her teacup, the warm liquid warming her from within. "I'm happy to help, Madam Kinoshita," she said, her voice calm and confident. "However, if you wouldn't mind reviewing the questions before they're finalized, I would be grateful. It would ease my mind knowing I haven't drafted anything excessively challenging."

A wide smile bloomed on Takiko's face. "Of course, Midori-san! Your assistance is invaluable. I truly appreciate it."

Midori's lips curved upwards. "It's my pleasure, Madam Kinoshita. And if you have copies of past exams available, I'd love to review them for reference."

As if anticipating the request, Principal Kinoshita rose and plucked a thick, leather-bound file from a nearby shelf. "This contains all the past exam questions and answers, Midori-san. Please use them as you see fit."

Thus Midori went home with the leather-bound file clutched against her chest.

Snow had begun to rage in Oshima Town, transforming the entire area into a breathtaking landscape reminiscent of the whimsical illustrations in children's books. The once familiar streets became a canvas painted in white, the rooftops of buildings, both high and low, adorned with fluffy snowdrifts that glistened in the fading light.

The tall trees that lined the avenues, once proud and defiant, now bowed under their icy burdens, their branches heavy with the weight of the snow. The air was crisp and clear, filled with the sound of the wind whispering through the snow-laden branches and the crunch of boots on the pristine white blanket that covered the ground.

In the Takigawa household, the biting wind had driven most servants into the warmth of the mansion. Only a handful remained, braving the elements to clear snow from the rooftops and sprawling yards. Their figures, bundled against the cold, moved with practiced efficiency, their shovels scraping and tossing white mounds that threatened to engulf the buildings.

"Ojou-sama, welcome back."

Onizuka swiftly took off Midori's coat and hung it by the door before he ushered her into the living room.

Chie and Fumiko just happened to be sitting together in the living room when Midori entered.

Their eyes met Midori's, filled with a mixture of mistrust and disdain. She couldn't pretend not to feel the same towards them.

"Ojou-sama, it must be cold outside. Let me bring you a bowl of ginger soup to warm up."

"Thank you, Onizuka-san."

Midori placed the leather-bound file on the table with a gentle thud, deliberately selecting a floor cushion as far away from Chie and Fumiko as possible.

"What's that?" Fumiko inquired, her eyes narrowed as they focused on the thick file resting on the tea table.

"This year's final exam questions," Midori lied through her teeth.

She could almost see Fumiko's eyes glinting with excitement.

Chie shot Midori a gentle smile devoid of warmth.

"Midori-san, are you the one who prepares the exam questions this year?"

"Why, yes. Madam Kinoshita entrusted this important job to me."

"Ah, I see. Good for you."

Midori drained the last drop of the ginger soup, her lips tingling with a comforting warmth. She placed the empty bowl on the table and offered Onizuka a grateful smile. "Thank you, Onizuka-san. The soup was delicious."

Retiring to her bed-chamber, she meticulously locked the door behind her before turning her attention to the leather-bound file.

Takiko kept her data immaculately organized. Each exam paper, nestled within the file, was arranged chronologically, with the most recent at the front and the earliest tucked away at the back.

Each exam followed the same format -- a passage of text with approximately twenty blank spaces, followed by a list of thirty words from which the student was to choose the correct match.

The texts themselves were captivating, covering a broad spectrum of topics. In each exam, Takiko embarked on a journey through knowledge, exploring art, history, geography, and even politics – realms that were often inaccessible to young women. She not only focused on Japan but also included insights into other cultures and countries.

Takiko's intent went far beyond simply teaching English. She yearned to empower the young ladies, to broaden their horizons, and to equip them with knowledge deemed undesirable by the ruling power.

In this act of quiet defiance, Takiko ignited a spark of curiosity and intellectual yearning in the hearts of her students.

Whether any of the young ladies truly lived up to Takiko's aspirations remained a mystery. Yet, Midori found herself deeply moved by the woman's unwavering dedication to their education.

Now that she had seen Takiko's style in examining the beginner class' aptitude in the English language, what kind of topic should she serve the class this year?

Hmm...

Spurned by Takiko's spirit, Midori started writing a little essay about the development of women's roles in Japan throughout different eras. It was an exciting topic, but it proved to be too difficult to use as examination material.

With a little disappointed sigh, Midori put down her pen.

She needed to think about an easier text to write. Easier language, simpler vocabulary...

Just as she was pondering about another good topic to write, Onizuka knocked at the door.

"Ojou-sama, there is a phone call from Arata-bocchan for you."